Rotating toys

Abstract

It detects the rotation of toys with a low-cost and simple configuration. [Solution] The shooting toy 1 comprises a rotating gear 30 that rotates in response to the operator's operation, a plurality of protrusions 32 arranged at different radial positions on the surface of the rotating gear 30 and each extending along the circumferential direction, a plurality of detect switches 35 arranged corresponding to the plurality of protrusions 32 and capable of individually detecting the corresponding protrusions 32, and a control unit 10 that detects the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30 based on a combination of the detection results of the plurality of detect switches 35.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotating toy.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique using a contact switch such as a leaf switch for detecting the rotation of a rotating body is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a specific rotation detection method is not disclosed. An object of the present invention is to detect the rotation of a toy with a low-cost and simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The rotating toy according to the present invention includes a rotating member that rotates in response to an operation by an operator, a plurality of convex portions arranged at different radial positions on the surface of the rotating member and each extending along the circumferential direction, a plurality of contact switches arranged corresponding to the plurality of convex portions and capable of individually detecting the corresponding convex portions, and a control unit that detects the circumferential position of the rotating member based on a combination of detection results of the plurality of contact switches. The rotating toy according to the present invention includes

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the rotation of a toy can be detected with a low-cost and simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a shooting toy in fire extinguishing training mode. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a shooting game toy in fire station mode. [Figure 3] This is a disassembled perspective view of a shooting game toy. [Figure 4] This is a disassembled perspective view of the base unit. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the operation of the first luffing control plate in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating plate. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the operation of the first luffing control plate in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating plate. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view of the shooting range unit. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the support structure for the undulating member. [Figure 9] This is a side view of the rotating plate and locking member. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing the approximate control configuration of a shooting toy. [Figure 11] This is a view of the rotating gear and detection switch from the back (bottom) side. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating the combination of the two protrusions on a rotating gear. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] [1. Overall composition of the shooting game toy] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of the shooting toy 1 according to this embodiment, where Figure 1 shows the fire extinguishing training mode described later, and Figure 2 shows the fire station mode described later. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the shooting toy 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the target toy 1 can play a target game that imitates the fire extinguishing activity by the vehicle toy C. The target toy 1 is an example of the rotating toy according to the present invention. Specifically, the target toy 1 includes a base unit 20, a target field unit 40 disposed on the base unit 20, and a launching device 60. The target field unit 40 and the launching device 60 rotate around a central axis Ax (see FIG. 4) along the vertical direction on the base unit 20. Thereby, the target toy 1 is configured to be able to take a fire extinguishing training mode M1 (FIG. 1) in which the launching device 60 is located on the front side of the base unit 20, and a fire station mode M2 (FIG. 2) in which the launching device 60 is located on the rear side of the base unit 20. In the following description, the front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower directions in the target toy 1 refer to the directions shown in each figure. Since the target field unit 40 and the launching device 60 are configured to change their orientations as described above, unless otherwise specified, the state in the fire extinguishing training mode M1 will be described. Also, in the target field unit 40, the open side of the target field unit 40 in the plane perpendicular to the vertical direction is referred to as the "front side F", and the opposite side is referred to as the "rear side B". The front side F corresponds to the front side in the fire extinguishing training mode M1, and the rear side B corresponds to the rear side in the fire extinguishing training mode M1. Also, in the following description, the direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax is referred to as the "radial direction", and the rotation direction around the central axis Ax is referred to as the "circumferential direction".

[0010] [2. Configuration of the base unit] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the base unit 20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base unit 20 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape and rotatably supports the target field unit 40 and the launching device 60. Specifically, the base unit 20 includes a base plate 21, a rotating gear 30, a rotating plate 22, and a first undulation control plate 23.

[0011] The base plate 21 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape and has a recess 211 that opens upward at a substantially central portion. The recess 211 is formed in a circular shape centered on the central axis Ax in a plan view. On the front side of the recess 211 in the base plate 21, there is formed an inclined slope 212 that slopes downward to the front. As will be described later, the slope 212 constitutes a traveling path along which the vehicle toy C slides out from the parking base 25. At the right end of the slope 212 in the base plate 21, there is arranged an operation handle 213 that is operated when the user (operator) rotates the target unit 40. Among the base plate 21, the protrusion formed on the side opposite to the operation handle 213 (left side) with respect to the slope 212 is a holding handle 21a for holding the base unit 20 when the user rotates the operation handle 213. In addition to the power switch 214 for switching on / off the power, the battery housing portion 215 for housing the battery, and the speaker 216 for outputting sound, the base plate 21 is provided with a control circuit for driving the target toy 1, a control board (not shown) on which electronic components are mounted, and the like.

[0012] The rotating gear 30 is formed in an annular plate shape and is housed in the recess 211 in a state perpendicular to the vertical direction around the central axis Ax. The rotating gear 30 is an example of the rotating member according to the present invention and is rotatably supported around the central axis Ax by a plurality of wheels 31. The rotating gear 30 meshes with the operation handle 213 via a plurality of connecting gears 218 (see FIG. 11) and rotates around the central axis Ax as the operation handle 213 rotates.

[0013] The circumferential position (rotation position) of the rotating gear 30 is detected by two detection switches (contact switches) 35. The two detection switches 35 are arranged below the rotating gear 3 and individually detect two convex portions 32 (see FIG. 11) formed on the back surface (lower surface) of the rotating gear 30. As will be described later, the positions of the two convex portions 32 in the radial direction are different from each other, and the circumferential extension ranges are also different from each other. Thereby, the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30 is detected based on the combination of the detection results of the two detection switches 35. Details of the detection of the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30 by the two detection switches 35 will be described later.

[0014] The rotating plate 22 is formed in a disc shape and is positioned to close the upper opening of the recess 211. The rotating plate 22 is supported by a cylindrical central part 221 that is rotatable relative to the base plate 21 and is fixed to the rotating gear 30, and rotates integrally with the rotating gear 30 around the central axis Ax. Multiple retaining plates 223 are arranged on the periphery of the rotating plate 22 to prevent the rotating plate 22 from floating up (falling upward) and are fixed to the base plate 21. A flat parking platform 25 is positioned on approximately the rear half of the upper surface of the rotating plate 22. The upper surface of the parking platform 25 can accommodate, for example, multiple (three in this embodiment) toy vehicles C side by side. The parking platform 25 has support projections 251 protruding from both the left and right sides of its rear end, and is supported by the rotating plate 22 so as to be rotatable around these support projections 251. A standing lever 252 is provided on the left side of the parking platform 25. When the user operates the standing lever 252 to pull it to the rear (rear side B), the parking platform 25 rotates around the support projections 251 and stands up (tilts) by raising its front side (front side F).

[0015] As shown in Figure 9, the rotating plate 22 is locked by a locking member 27 held on the base plate 21 at a predetermined circumferential position (rotational position) corresponding to the fire station mode M2 ​​and the fire extinguishing training mode M1. The locking member 27 is formed in a tapered shape that tapers upward when viewed from the side and is positioned below the periphery of the rotating plate 22. The locking member 27 is also supported so as to be movable vertically and is biased upward. On the periphery of the rotating plate 22 corresponding to the position above the locking member 27, two locking recesses 228 that open downward are formed at opposite locations on the periphery, separated by the central axis Ax. As a result, the rotating plate 22 is positioned at two locations on the periphery where the locking member 27 and the locking recesses 228 engage. These two locations correspond to the circumferential positions in fire station mode M2 ​​and fire extinguishing training mode M1. Furthermore, of the peripheral edge of the rotating plate 22, the shoulder portion 228a on the right side in a side view, which is the area around the locking recess 228, is raised lower than the rest of the lower surface of the peripheral edge of the rotating plate 22. The lower end position of the shoulder portion 228a is lower than the lower limit position of the movement range of the tip of the locking member 27. Therefore, when the rotating plate 22 is locked to the locking member 27, it is only allowed to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure (counterclockwise in a top view), and rotation in the opposite direction is restricted. Furthermore, the locking force due to the engagement between the locking member 27 and the locking recess 228 of the rotating plate 22 is greater than the contact resistance force of the detect switch 35, which contacts and detects the protrusion 32. Therefore, a user who manually rotates the rotating plate 22 will not mistakenly identify the position where the detection part of the detect switch 35 contacts the protrusion 32 as the designated locking position of the rotating plate 22. In other words, the rotating plate 22 can be suitably locked in the circumferential position corresponding to the fire station mode M2 ​​and the fire extinguishing training mode M1.

[0016] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first elevation control plate 23 is used to raise and lower the elevation member 43 of the shooting range unit 40, which will be described later. The first elevation control plate 23 is formed in a substantially flat shape and is positioned approximately in the center of the recess 211 in a plan view, perpendicular to the vertical direction. Specifically, the first luffing control plate 23 has multiple elongated guide holes 231 formed along the front-rear direction. A cylindrical guide portion 225, erected on the lower surface of the rotating plate 22, is inserted from above into each guide hole 231 so as to be movable along the guide hole 231. In addition, an elongated insertion hole 232 is formed approximately in the center of the first luffing control plate 23, through which the central part 221 of the rotating plate 22 is inserted from above. A roller support portion 233 is erected on the lower surface of the first luffing control plate 23, supporting a cylindrical roller 26 at its tip. The roller 26 is fitted so as to be slidable (or rollable) within a guide lane 217 formed in the base plate 21. The guide lane 217 is formed as a circular track in plan view, eccentric from the central axis Ax, with its center P located in front of the central axis Ax.

[0017] With this configuration, the first luffing control plate 23 rotates in the same way as the rotating plate 22, while also translating relative to the rotating plate 22. Specifically, when the rotating plate 22 rotates around its central axis Ax, a rotational force in the same direction acts on the first luffing control plate 23 through the guide portion 225 of the rotating plate 22. At this time, the rotation of the first luffing control plate 23 is constrained to the guide lane 217 of the base plate 21 via the roller 26, and therefore it rotates around the center P of the guide lane 217. As a result, the first luffing control plate 23 rotates along an eccentric trajectory from the rotation center of the rotating plate 22 as the rotating plate 22 rotates, and moves translationally relative to the rotating plate 22. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, as the system transitions from fire extinguishing training mode M1 to fire station mode M2, the first luffing control plate 23 moves translationally to the rear side B of the shooting range unit 40 by a distance corresponding to the amount of eccentricity.

[0018] Furthermore, two connecting protrusions 234 are erected on the upper surface of the first luffing control plate 23, arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The connecting protrusions 234 protrude above the rotating plate 22 through the through hole 226 of the rotating plate 22 (see Figure 3) and are connected to the connecting member 46 of the shooting range unit 40, which will be described later. At the tip (upper end) of the connecting protrusion 234, a U-shaped opening 235 is formed in a side view (when viewed from the left-right direction) that opens upward. The connecting member 46 (connecting shaft 461) of the shooting range unit 40, which will be described later, is fitted into the opening 235 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0019] [3. Configuration of the shooting range unit] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the shooting range unit 40. As shown in Figure 7, the shooting range unit 40 comprises a support case 41, a shooting slope 42, a second elevation control plate 45, and a connecting member 46. The shooting range unit 40 is rotatably positioned on the base unit 20.

[0020] The support case 41 supports the shooting slope 42 and also houses the second elevation control plate 45 and the connecting member 46. The lower part of the support case 41 is shaped to correspond to the rotating plate 22 of the base unit 20 and is fixed to the upper surface of the rotating plate 22. However, the rear part of the support case 41 defines the garage space 25S on the parking platform 25 of the base unit 20, with the rear (rear side B) open (see Figure 2).

[0021] The shooting range ramp 42 is positioned above the support case 41 and fixed to the support case 41. The shooting range ramp 42 is formed in the shape of a slope that slopes downwards towards the front and has a floor surface 42a that is inclined in the vertical direction. The lower front end of the shooting range ramp 42 is open to the front, and the surrounding area, excluding the lower end, is covered by a wall. On the floor surface 42a of the shooting gallery slope 42, there are multiple undulating members 43 of different sizes and shapes, which serve as targets for the shooting game.

[0022] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the support structure of the undulating member 43. Each undulating member 43 is formed in a roughly flat shape resembling fire and is supported by the shooting slope 42 so that it can be raised and lowered. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, each undulating member 43 has two support shafts 431, a front leg portion 432, and a rear leg portion 433. Two support shafts 431 are arranged coaxially with each other on the left and right sides of the lower end of the undulating member 43. Each support shaft 431 is formed in a cylindrical shape along the left-right direction and is rotatably supported by a bearing portion 421 of the shooting slope 42. A recess 42b corresponding to the shape of the undulating member 43 is formed in the floor surface 42a of the shooting slope 42, and bearing portions 421 are formed on both the left and right sides of the lower end of the recess 42b. The bearing portion 421 is open at the top to allow insertion of the support shafts 431 and has a retaining mechanism to prevent the support shafts 431 from falling out. A protruding first locking portion 421a for locking the undulating member 43 is formed on the bottom surface of either of the bearing portions 421. Of the two support shafts 431, one corresponding to the bearing portion 421 having a first locking portion 421a has a second locking portion 431a formed thereon that locks with the first locking portion 421a of the bearing portion 421. The first locking portion 421a and the second locking portion 431a lock with each other, primarily when transitioning from fire extinguishing training mode M1 to fire station mode M2, to maintain the upright position of the undulating member 43. The undulating member 43 rotates around the support shaft 431 to undulate and is configured to be able to assume an upright state in which it stands upright with a forward-leaning posture relative to the vertical direction, and a collapsed state in which it lies down on the floor surface 42a (inside the recess 42b) with its tip positioned on the higher side of the floor surface 42a.

[0023] The front leg portion 432 is formed in a substantially flat shape and protrudes substantially vertically forward from the left and right center of the lower end of the luffing member 43. The front leg portion 432 contacts the shooting slope 42 when the luffing member 43 is in the upright position and holds the luffing member 43 in the upright position. In the upright position, the front leg portion 432 is positioned within the front recess 42c formed in the floor surface 42a of the shooting slope 42, and its upper surface is substantially flush with the floor surface 42a.

[0024] The rear leg portion 433 is formed in a substantially flat shape and protrudes substantially vertically to the rear from the left-right center of the lower end of the luffing member 43. The rear leg portion 433 is pressed when the luffing member is raised and, in fire extinguishing training mode M1, is locked to the second luffing control plate 45 (locking rib 453 described later) to maintain the raised state of the luffing member 43.

[0025] As shown in Figure 7, the second luffing control plate 45 is for raising and lowering the luffing member 43. The second luffing control plate 45 is formed in a flat shape and is held on the underside of the shooting slope 42 in a state parallel to the shooting slope 42 (i.e., inclined downwards towards the front). The second luffing control plate 45 has a plurality of elongated support holes 451 formed in the front-to-back direction. A cylindrical support shaft (not shown), erected on the underside of the shooting slope 42, is inserted from above into each support hole 451 so as to be movable along the support hole 451. Multiple pressing recesses 452 corresponding to multiple luffing members 43 are formed on the upper surface of the second luffing control plate 45. The pressing recesses 452 are used to press the rear legs 433 of the luffing members 43 to raise them upright. Specifically, the pressing recesses 452 are formed at positions corresponding to the rear legs 433 of the corresponding luffing members 43, and at positions corresponding to the front left and right center of the recesses 42b of the shooting slope 42, and are in communication with the inside of the recesses 42b through through holes 42d formed in the bottom surface of the recesses 42b (see Figure 8). When the luffing members 43 collapse when the second luffing control plate 45 is positioned on the front side F, the rear legs 433 of the luffing members 43 are accommodated in the pressing recesses 452. Within the pressing recess 452, a substantially flat locking rib 453 is erected in the rear left-right center, perpendicular to the left-right direction. The locking rib 453 is used to lock the rear leg portion 433 of the undulating member 43, and in fire extinguishing training mode M1, the locking rib 453 and the rear leg portion 433 lock together to maintain the upright position of the undulating member 43.

[0026] The connecting member 46 connects the second luffing control plate 45 to the first luffing control plate 23 of the base unit 20, and interlocks their operation. The connecting member 46 is positioned in the left-right center of the lower end of the second luffing control plate 45 and is fixed to the second luffing control plate 45. The connecting member 46 has a connecting shaft 461 at its lower end that is aligned in the left-right direction. The connecting shaft 461 is connected to two connecting protrusions 234 of the first luffing control plate 23 of the base unit 20. Specifically, the connecting shaft 461 is fitted into the openings 235 of the two connecting protrusions 234 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0027] [4. Launcher Configuration] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the launching device 60 is positioned at the lower end of the front side F of the shooting range unit 40 and launches the toy vehicles C onto the shooting slope 42. Specifically, the launch device 60 is detachably attached to the rotating plate 22 of the base unit 20 and is supported so as to be able to rotate (swivel) left and right within a predetermined range. The launch device 60 comprises a pair of left and right track plates 63 and an ejection section 65. The pair of track boards 63 are launching lanes on which the vehicle toy C, which is the projectile, is placed, and correspond to the left and right wheels of the vehicle toy C. The pair of track boards 63 are inclined so as they move towards the rear, and are roughly aligned with the shooting slope 42. The injection unit 65 is positioned on a pair of track plates 63 and ejects the toy vehicle C placed on the pair of track plates 63 along the track plates 63. The rear end face B of the injection unit 65 supports the rear end face of the toy vehicle C placed on the pair of track plates 63. The injection unit 65 is biased in the ejection direction along the track plates 63 by a biasing member (not shown). The user ejects the toy vehicle C by pulling the operating lever 652 formed at the front end of the injection unit 65 toward them against the biasing force of the biasing member and then releasing it.

[0028] [5. Control Configuration] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the schematic control configuration of the shooting toy 1. As shown in Figure 10, the shooting toy 1 includes a control unit 10 mounted on a control board (not shown). The control unit 10 is configured, for example, by a microcontroller, and controls the operation of each part of the shooting toy 1 based on a pre-stored program. In this embodiment, the control unit 10 detects the circumferential position of the rotating plate 22 (rotating gear 30) based on a combination of the detection results of two detect switches 35, and outputs sound from the speaker 216 according to the circumferential position. The speaker 216 is an example of a performance unit according to the present invention.

[0029] [6. Circumferential position detection of the rotating gear] The detection of the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30 using two detect switches 35 will be described below. Figure 11 is a view of the rotating gear 30 and the detect switch 35 from the back side (below), and Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the combination of the two protrusions 32 of the rotating gear 30. Note that in Figure 11, parts of the rotating gear 30 other than the essential parts are omitted from the illustration, and the area of ​​the protrusions 32 is illustrated with a dot pattern.

[0030] As described above, the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30 is detected when two detect switches 35 detect two protrusions 32. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the two detect switches 35 are positioned corresponding to the two protrusions 32 and individually detect the corresponding protrusions 32. The two detect switches 35 are arranged radially side by side at the same circumferential position, with the inner switch 35a on the inner diameter side detecting the inner protrusion 32a, and the outer switch 35b on the outer diameter side detecting the outer protrusion 32b.

[0031] The two protrusions 32 are positioned at different radial locations on the lower surface of the rotating gear 30, and each is formed in an arc shape extending along the circumferential direction. The two protrusions 32 have different circumferential extension ranges, and preferably all of their ends 321 are at different positions in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the circumferential corners of each protrusion 32 are chamfered to a shape corresponding to the shape of the detection part (contact part) of the detector switch 35. In other words, the corners of each protrusion 32 between the top surface (bottom surface) and the circumferential end surface are chamfered to reduce the resistance when contacting the detection part of the detector switch 35.

[0032] Each of the two protrusions 32 forms a recess on the circumference, with the portion of the circumference other than the protrusion 32 being a recess, thereby forming a recessed pattern PT on the circumference. The inner recessed pattern PT1 is formed by including the inner protrusion 32a, and the outer recessed pattern PT2 is formed by including the outer protrusion 32b. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the two uneven patterns PT constitute the following four circumferential ranges, each with a different combination of unevenness on the inside and outside. Inner: Outer: Circumferential range (1) Concave: Concave: Area 1 R1 (Fire station mode M2) (2) Concave: Convex: Area 2 R2 (3) Convex: Convex: Area 3 R3 (Firefighting Training Mode M1) (4) Convex: Concave: Area 4 R4

[0033] Area 1 R1 corresponds to Fire Station Mode M2 ​​and, while not particularly limited, has an angular range of approximately 30°. Area 2, R2, corresponds to the transition state from fire station mode M2 ​​to fire extinguishing training mode M1. Area 3, R3, corresponds to fire extinguishing training mode M1 and has an angular range of approximately 30°, although it is not particularly limited. Area 3, R3 is located on the opposite side of the central axis Ax from Area 1, R1. Area 4, R4, corresponds to the transition state from fire extinguishing training mode M1 to fire station mode M2.

[0034] Each of the first area R1 and the third area R3 includes a locking position SP for the rotating plate 22 (rotating gear 30) by the locking member 27. Here, the locking position SP is the circumferential position where the rotating gear 30 is locked to the locking member 27. The locking position SP is located in the middle of each of the first area R1 and the third area R3, and is circumferentially at least 10° away from both ends of each area. This gives the user ample time to recognize the fire extinguishing training mode M1 and the fire station mode M2. As a result, even if the user rotates the rotating gear 30 too fast and passes through the locking position SP without locking it, the user will be more likely to notice the pass and stop the rotation within the range of the first area R1 or the third area R3.

[0035] These four circumferential ranges are detected based on the combination of detection results of two uneven patterns PT (two protrusions 32) by two detect switches 35. For example, if both uneven patterns PT are concave (neither of the two protrusions 32 are detected), the first area R1 of the rotating gear 30 becomes the circumferential position detected by the detect switch 35. Furthermore, in the first area R1, where neither of the two detect switches 35 makes contact with the protrusion 32, the load on the detection part of the detect switch 35 is low. For this reason, when the device is to be kept in the same state for a long period of time (for example, when the shooting toy 1 is shipped), it is desirable to lock the rotating gear 30 at the locking position SP in the first area R1 (fire station mode M2).

[0036] [7. How to play with shooting games] This section explains one example of how to play with shooting toy 1. In this scenario, the shooting toy 1 is in fire station mode M2 ​​(rotating gear 30 is in the position of area 1 R1), the vehicle toy C is placed on the parking platform 25, and all the elevation members 43 are in the upright position.

[0037] In the shooting toy 1 in fire station mode M2, when the user (operator) turns on the power switch 214, the control unit 10 causes speaker 216 to output a voice prompting the user to switch to fire extinguishing training mode M1, such as "An emergency has occurred, please head to the training area." The user operates the lever 252 for raising the parking platform 25 to raise (tilt) the parking platform 25 and launch the toy vehicle C. The toy vehicle C on the parking platform 25 travels along the slope 212 between the parking platform 25 and the base plate 21 and slides out forward.

[0038] Next, when the user rotates the operating handle 213 of the base plate 21 in a predetermined direction, the rotary gear 30 that meshes with the operating handle 213 rotates around the central axis Ax. As a result, the rotating plate 22 fixed to the rotary gear 30 also rotates, and the shooting range unit 40 and the launching device 60 on the rotating plate 22 rotate, initiating the transition to fire extinguishing training mode M1. Consequently, the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30, as detected by the two detect switches 35, shifts from the first area R1 to the second area R2. When the control unit 10 detects the second area R2, it outputs special music for the transition from the speaker 216.

[0039] When the control unit 10 detects that both of the two uneven patterns PT are in a convex state (both of the two convex parts 32 are detected) using the two detect switches 35, it detects that the circumferential position of the detect switches 35 is located in the third area R3 of the rotating gear 30, and that the system has transitioned to fire extinguishing training mode M1. At the same time, the locking member 27 locks the rotating plate 22 to the locking position SP in the third area R3, and the rotation of the shooting range unit 40 stops. At this time, as the system transitions to fire extinguishing training mode M1, the second luffing control plate 45 moves to the front side F, and the rear leg portion 433 of the luffing member 43 becomes locked to the locking rib 453 of the second luffing control plate 45.

[0040] When the control unit 10 detects a transition to fire extinguishing training mode M1, it stops the transition music and outputs an announcement voice message from speaker 216 indicating the start of fire extinguishing training. Here, the control unit 10 notifies the user of a deviation from fire extinguishing training mode M1 (third area R3) if the user rotates the shooting range unit 40 too quickly and passes through the fire extinguishing training mode M1. Specifically, the control unit 10 notifies the user of a deviation from the third area R3 if the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30 is outside the third area R3 and the time during which the third area R3 was continuously detected is within a predetermined time. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may notify the user of a deviation from the third area R3 if the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30 is outside the third area R3 and the predetermined performance in the third area R3 is less than a predetermined progress. In this notification, the control unit 10 either notifies the user of the deviation from fire extinguishing training mode M1 by sound from the speaker 216, or further outputs a notification prompting a return to fire extinguishing training mode M1 (reverse rotation of the rotating plate 22).

[0041] In fire extinguishing training mode M1, the user places the toy vehicle C on the track plate 63 of the launcher 60 and rotates the launcher 60 to aim at the undulating member 43 which simulates flames. Then, by pulling the operating lever 652 towards the user and releasing it, the toy vehicle C is launched towards the undulating member 43. If the vehicle toy C strikes the luffing member 43 and the force at that time is stronger than the locking force that holds the luffing member 43 in an upright position, the luffing member 43 will collapse. The locking force that holds the luffing member 43 in an upright position includes the locking force between the rear leg portion 433 of the luffing member 43 and the locking rib 453 of the second luffing control plate 45, as well as the locking force between the first locking portion 421a of the shooting slope 42 and the second locking portion 431a of the luffing member 43.

[0042] When the user finishes the fire extinguishing training, the control unit 10 outputs a voice message from the speaker 216 prompting the user to return to fire station mode M2, such as "Thank you for your hard work, please return to the fire station." Then, when the user rotates the operating handle 213, the shooting range unit 40 and the launcher 60 on the rotating plate 22 rotate, just as when transitioning to fire extinguishing training mode M1, and the transition to fire station mode M2 ​​begins. Consequently, the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30, as detected by the two detect switches 35, shifts from the third area R3 to the fourth area R4. When the control unit 10 detects the fourth area R4, it outputs special music for the transition from the speaker 216.

[0043] When the control unit 10 detects that both of the two concave / concave patterns PT are in a concave state (neither of the two convex parts 32 are detected) using the two detect switches 35, it detects that the circumferential position of the detect switches 35 is located in the first area R1 of the rotating gear 30, and that the system has transitioned to fire station mode M2. At the same time, the locking member 27 locks the rotating plate 22 to the locking position SP within the first area R1, and the rotation of the shooting range unit 40 stops. At this time, as the system transitions to fire station mode M2, the second luffing control plate 45 moves to the rear side B, and all luffing members 43 stand upright. During this transition to the upright state, the second locking portion 431a of the luffing member 43 goes over the first locking portion 421a of the shooting slope 42 and locks onto the first locking portion 421a, and the luffing member 43 is maintained in the upright state.

[0044] When the control unit 10 detects a transition to fire station mode M2, it stops the transition music and outputs a voice message from speaker 216, such as "Please park the vehicle in the garage." Here, the control unit 10 notifies the user of a deviation from fire station mode M2 ​​(first area R1) if the user rotates the shooting range unit 40 too quickly and passes through fire station mode M2. This notification control is performed in the same way as the control that notifies the user of a deviation from fire extinguishing training mode M1 described above. That is, the control unit 10 notifies the user of a deviation from the first area R1 if the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30 is outside the first area R1 and the time during which the first area R1 has been continuously detected is within a predetermined time. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may notify the user of a deviation from the first area R1 if the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30 is outside the first area R1 and the predetermined performance in the first area R1 is less than a predetermined progress. In this notification, the control unit 10 either notifies the user of the deviation from fire station mode M2 ​​by sound from the speaker 216, for example, or outputs a notification prompting a return to fire station mode M2 ​​(reverse rotation of the rotating plate 22). After transitioning to fire station mode M2, the user places vehicle toy C on parking platform 25 and ends the shooting game with shooting toy 1.

[0045] [8. Technical Effects of This Embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, two protrusions 32 of the rotating gear (rotating member) 30, which are positioned at different radial positions from each other, are individually detected by two detect switches (contact switches) 35, which are positioned corresponding to the two protrusions 32. The circumferential position of the rotating gear 30 is then detected based on the combination of the detection results of the two detect switches 35. This allows for optimal rotation detection using low-cost contact switches and a simple configuration that only requires two detection switches 35 to detect two protrusions 32. Furthermore, although the detection switches 35 have durability issues due to long-term sliding, wear on the detection switches 35 can be suppressed by using a simple identification pattern with few protrusions, given the relatively low rotation speed associated with the operator's operation.

[0046] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when a first area R1 (or third area R3) including a locking position (first circumferential position) SP is detected based on the detection results of the two detect switches 35, the speaker (performance unit) 216 is instructed to perform a predetermined performance. This allows for the appropriate execution of effects corresponding to the locking position SP.

[0047] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30 is outside the first area R1 (or third area R3; the same applies hereinafter) and the time during which the first area R1 has been continuously detected is within a predetermined time, a deviation from the first area R1 is reported. Alternatively, if the circumferential position of the rotating gear 30 is outside the first area R1 and a predetermined performance in the first area R1 has not progressed to a predetermined degree, a deviation from the first area R1 is also reported. This allows the system to properly recognize any deviation from the designated circumferential range due to user error, thereby ensuring that the performance within that area is reliably executed. Furthermore, even if it is not possible to directly detect rotation stopping at the precise locking position SP, the system can estimate the deviation from the appropriate area based on the time the area was continuously detected and the progress of the performance, and notify the user accordingly. Ultimately, this allows the system to guide users to the appropriate way to play with a low-cost and simple configuration.

[0048] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the circumferential corners of each protrusion 32 are chamfered to a shape corresponding to the shape of the detection part of the detect switch 35. This effectively suppresses the load on the detection unit of the detect switch 35 when it comes into contact with the protrusion 32.

[0049] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the locking force of the locking member 27 is greater than the contact resistance force of the detect switch 35. Therefore, a user who manually rotates the rotating plate 22 will not mistakenly perceive the position where the detection unit of the detect switch 35 makes contact as the predetermined locking position of the rotating plate 22. In other words, the rotating plate 22 can be suitably locked in the first area R1 and the third area R3.

[0050] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, one of the locking positions SP (first circumferential position) is included in the first area R1 where neither of the two protrusions 32 are detected. This allows the rotating part, including the rotating gear 30, to be suitably locked when the detect switch 35 is not in contact, i.e., when there is little load on the detection part of the detect switch 35. In other words, for example, when the shooting toy 1 is shipped and will be kept in the same state for a long period of time, the rotation can be locked with little load on the detection part of the detect switch 35.

[0051] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the positions of all the ends 321 of the two protrusions 32 are different from each other in the circumferential direction. This allows for a more planar and simpler shape for the protrusions 32 compared to a configuration where the protrusions change simultaneously at the same circumferential position in two different patterns. Consequently, the mold used to create the protrusions can be simplified.

[0052] [9. Others] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the above embodiment, a shooting game toy was described as an example of a rotating toy according to the present invention. However, the present invention can be broadly applied to rotating toys that perform rotation detection.

[0053] Furthermore, the protrusions and the detection switches (contact switches) only need to correspond to each other, and there may be three or more of them. Furthermore, the contact-type switch according to the present invention does not have to be a detect switch, as long as it is capable of detecting a protrusion by contact. Furthermore, the number of protrusions 32 in the uneven pattern PT is not particularly limited. There may be two or more protrusions 32. Furthermore, the performance unit and its performance according to the present invention are not limited to speakers and audio output. For example, an operating unit may be operated, or a light-emitting unit may be illuminated.

[0054] Furthermore, details shown in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1 Shooting toy (rotating toy) 10 Control Unit 22 Rotating Plates 27 Locking member 30 Rotating gears (rotating components) 32 Convex part 321 End 32a Inner protrusion 32b Outside convex part 35. Detect switch (contact switch) 35a Internal switch 35b External switch 216 Speakers (Production Department) 228 Locking recess 228a Shoulder PT uneven pattern PT1 Inner uneven pattern PT2 Outer uneven pattern R1 Area 1 R2 Area 2 R3 Area 3 R4 Area 4 SP locking position

Claims

1. A rotating member that rotates in response to the operator's input, The rotating member has a plurality of protrusions arranged at different radial positions on its surface, each extending along the circumferential direction, Multiple contact switches are arranged corresponding to the aforementioned multiple protrusions and capable of individually detecting the corresponding protrusions, A control unit that detects the circumferential position of the rotating member based on a combination of the detection results of the plurality of contact switches, A spinning toy equipped with a rotating mechanism.

2. The rotating member is provided with a locking member that locks it in a first circumferential position, When the control unit detects a predetermined circumferential range including the first circumferential position based on the detection results of the plurality of contact-type switches, it causes the performance unit to execute a predetermined performance. The spinning toy according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, The circumferential position of the rotating member is outside the predetermined circumferential range, and the time during which the predetermined circumferential range was continuously detected is within the predetermined time, or If the circumferential position of the rotating member is outside the predetermined circumferential range, and the predetermined performance is less than the predetermined progress, It outputs a notification signal indicating a deviation from the predetermined circumferential range. The spinning toy according to claim 2.

4. Each of the aforementioned multiple protrusions has a circumferential corner that is chamfered to a shape corresponding to the shape of the detection part of the contact switch. The spinning toy according to claim 1.

5. The rotating member is provided with a locking member that locks it in a first circumferential position, The locking force provided by the locking member is greater than the contact resistance force of the contact switch. The spinning toy according to claim 1.

6. The rotating member is provided with a locking member that locks it in a first circumferential position, The combination of detection results of the plurality of contact switches includes a first detection result in which none of the plurality of protrusions are detected. The first circumferential position is included in the circumferential range corresponding to the first detection result. The spinning toy according to claim 1.

7. The rotating member is locked in the first circumferential position when the rotating toy is shipped. The rotating toy according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned multiple protrusions have different circumferential extension ranges. The spinning toy according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned multiple protrusions have ends at positions that are all different from each other in the circumferential direction. The rotating toy according to claim 8.

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